Watch Wanda Nevada
- PG
- 1979
- 1 hr 47 min
-
5.5 (1,544)
Wanda Nevada is a 1979 film directed by Peter Fonda and starring Brooke Shields, Fiona Lewis, and Peter Fonda himself. The film is set in the American Midwest in the mid-20th century and follows a drifter named Beaudray Demerille, played by Fonda, and a young girl named Wanda Nevada, played by Shields, who become entangled in a wild adventure together.
The film opens with Beaudray making his way through the desert on horseback when he stumbles upon a small town. There, he encounters Wanda, a precocious 13-year-old girl who is desperate to escape her mundane life and set off on an adventure of her own. Despite his initial reluctance, Beaudray is eventually persuaded by Wanda to take her along on his travels.
As they journey together, the pair encounter a series of colorful characters including a group of cowboys, a wealthy woman named Ruby Muldoon, played by Fiona Lewis, and even encounter a slightly crazed old man who insists that he is Wyatt Earp. Along the way, Beaudray and Wanda discover that they share a connection that neither of them anticipated, and must navigate a world that seems at times utterly surreal.
The film's cinematography is notable, capturing the dusty and desolate landscape of the American Southwest. Shields is magnetic in her performance as Wanda, imbuing the young girl with equal parts innocence and rebellion. Fonda is equally compelling as Beaudray, bringing a world-weary charm to the role.
While some critics have criticized the film for its implausible plot and uneven tone, others have praised it for its sense of whimsy and the chemistry between Fonda and Shields. The film has become something of a cult classic in the years since its release, appreciated for its nostalgic depiction of a bygone era and for its heartwarming message about the value of unlikely friendships.
Overall, Wanda Nevada is an entertaining film that is well worth watching for fans of offbeat period pieces and heartfelt stories about the enduring bonds of friendship. The film may not be perfect, but it is nonetheless a charming and engaging work that captures the spirit of its era with grace and style.
Wanda Nevada is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.